Charleston, WV – A number of combustible dust-related incidents, injuries and deaths over the past decade might have been prevented had OSHA promulgated a standard covering the hazard, according to a Chemical Safety Board report released July 16.

The report analyzes a metal dust explosion and fire that killed three workers and injured a contractor at West Virginia scrap metal processor AL Solutions on Dec. 9, 2010. It also reiterates CSB’s recommendation for OSHA to issue a combustible dust standard – a suggestion first made in 2006.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL

The National Safety Council is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy.